Chapter Seven: No Need for an Honor Debt

"Who am I? An interesting question..." Ceal watched as Washu placed her hand on that dial. He became serious. "I am Ceal, a professional bounty hunter. For the last nine hundred years, I have been an agent for Lady Tokimi."

"Why does she want me?"

"I don't know."

At this response, Washu turned the dial up. Ceal jerked. After a few seconds, she said, "You're trying my patience, Ceal!"

"At least you're getting in some practice with that new unit you wanted to test on Tenchi," Ryoko muttered.

Ceal shrieked. "Lady Washu, for all of the Juraian Empire, I swear I don't know. I owe you too much to lie to you now."

"Hmmm...why do you owe now, or think that you owe me anything?"

"Over eight thousand years ago, my home planet suffered a plague. We begged for aid, for help from anywhere. A group from the Galaxy Academy came to help us. Twenty of them died, and only three remained when you found the cure. Nine billion of my people died...Lady Washu, less than twenty-thousand of my people survived, because of you. There are statues of you everywhere. When you disappeared, most of them took a sacred oath to find you, Lady Washu, and not to return home until they had. The cure you created for us extended our life spans greatly. When our young people grew up, many left to search for you, too. I remember seeing you walk the wings of the medical buildings at night, trying to comfort the sick. I would always remember your face."

We were just nameless victims be cared for as best you could, you and the two who assisted you. To honor you, we took on variations of your names. On my home world, I am known as 'Gebashu' or 'Geba' for short. Lady Washu, I would give my life without a thought for the Lady Tokimi, but to harm you would bring shame and dishonor to all of my people."

During the interview, Ayeka had joined them.

"Washu, let him go," Tenchi said.

Ceal won't hurt us," Sasami pleaded.

"What do you think, Ayeka?"

"He sounds sincere, but you were there. Did this really happen?"

Washu turned, her face clouded. "Yes, it's true, but that was a long time ago."

"If you ask me, I think we should leave him right here, with that brain thing turned to high," Ryoko said.

"Ryoko," Tenchi snapped, "what is your problem?"

"I don't trust him. He might fool you, but not me. He's too sneaky. But it's mom's choice. If she does let you loose, I'll be watching every move you make, Ceal."

"Why Ryoko, I am flattered. And here I thought you and that young man were together." Ceal tilted his head.

The shocked look on Ryoko's face was priceless. It was quickly followed by laughter from the rest of the group.

"Keep this up, Ceal, and you'll wish Washu had taken my advice."

"Everyone, dinner is ready." Ayeka said.

Washu flicked a switch and the restraints retracted from Ceal. She smiled. "Ceal, before you join us for a meal, why don't you clean up?"

"Of course, Lady Washu."

"Tenchi, would you show Ceal where he can wash?"

"Sure, Washu." Tenchi motioned for Ceal to follow him. Ceal was still wrapped in the sheet Washu had draped over him.

"Excuse me, Lady Washu. I hope it would not be an inconvenience, but..." he pulled the sheet away from himself, looked down with a very curious expression on his face. "What has happened to the rest of my garments?"

"I'll bring them to you in a little while."

"Very well, Lady Washu." Ceal left with Tenchi, and everyone managed to keep a straight face until he was out of earshot.

"Washu! Whatever were you doing to that young man?" Ayeka said.

"Was he as much fun as a guinea pig as Tenchi?" Ryoko leered at Washu.

"I just needed some samples," Washu's tone was defensive.

"I thought you collected all the samples you needed earlier," Sasami said, and Washu grimaced.

"Sasami, you didn't help Lady Washu with the tests, did you?" Ayeka frowned.

"Sure. A little skin, a little blood, and I took the reading for his psycho-layer pattern and his over-dimensional parallel pattern."

"And she did a very nice job of it, too. But then she had to finish up dinner."

"Let's eat. I'm starving." Sasami and Ryoko left.

"Miss Washu, I'd like to speak with you about this later."

"Er - of course, Ayeka." Oh please don't let her find out I let Sasami take his organic pattern, Washu thought, and left the lab. When she got to the dining table, Ryoko was pouring tea and Sasami set an extra place.

"It sure will be strange with Ceal here," Sasami said. "Miss Washu, do you think Ceal will want to stay on Earth?"

"Why, Sasami. Do you?"

"Well, he seems to really like you."

"I think he's just trying to thank me for helping his people.'

'He does seem very grateful, Washu."

"Yes, but he's dealing with me as if I was the only reason he is alive. That places a lot of responsibility on me. How do I tell him to live his live without feeling this debt to me? Imagine, Sasami, a whole city or country of people who feel the same way about me." Washu hugged herself and shuddered.

"Or, a whole planet," Sasami mumbled under her breath. "Being a crown princess of Jurai is probably a lot like that."

"A lot like what?"Ayeka asked and Sasami gave a little smile.

"Oh...we were talking about the Master Key and Ceal's power whip," Washu responded to Ayeka's question.

"Really, Miss Washu." Ayeka stood and returned to the kitchen, shaking her head. "What a thing to discuss."

When Ayeka was gone, Sasami asked: "Are they really, Washu?"

"Yes, at least by appearances. I must ask Ryoko if she knows anything about it."